Who killed the music industry? Tune-Yards’ sophomore album “W H O K I L L” certainly didn’t

Courtesy of 4AD Records

Courtesy of 4AD Records

Throughout 2011, the indie rock genre surged through the music industry, introducing popular artists including Passion Pit, Arctic Monkeys, and Sleigh Bells; however, this massive movement left many smaller artists in the dust.

Tune-Yards followed this movement along with hundreds of other musicians, but just like the rest of them, Tune-Yards failed to keep up with many of the larger and more dominant bands and artists signing onto major music labels, falling behind with small amounts of recognition. However, the band carries itself well throughout this album with simple beat leads tying in with the singer’s interesting and unique vocals.

Some repetition presents itself throughout this album, most noticeably on the song “Powa,” as noticed by junior Dylan Knapp. “The vocals, while proving to be impressive, didn’t change much throughout,” Knapp analyzed.

However, the song manages to stay enjoyable; it maintains an upbeat and calm mood, as described by Christian Wells, a junior. “It makes me picture lying on a beach, relaxing, chilling on the sand, enjoying life. I just feel relaxed and calm.”

The album comes alive in songs such as “Gangsta” and “Bizness”, where various tempo changes and multiple uses of instruments highlight the uniqueness of this band. Along with “Powa,” these three songs are the obvious highlights of the 10 tracks on “W H O K I L L.”

Hannah Brittain, a junior, noticed the band shares a similar sound with artists such as “Miniature Tigers, Of Montreal, and Yeasayer. It has a little bit of a laid back feeling.”

This album presents itself with an easy-listening atmosphere, a relaxed and calm mood — most likely something present in the background of a 1980’s college house party. If the band continues with the sound of this collection, fans will be enthralled to experience what they produce in the future.